For the third time charmed
Real estate couple star on HGTV again, and again, and again
The first time was a charm, in 2014.
The second time was a charm, in 2017.
The third time, in 2019, makes enough for a bracelet.
Troy and Denise Schroder, real estate agents with Keller Williams Realty Elite, 5629 N Classen Blvd., will star in “House Hunters” on HGTV for the third time at 9 p.m. Thursday.
Denise told the unlikely story from the beginning this week in an email interview.
Q. What? You did it again? Remind us: How did this thing between you all and HGTV get started in the first place?
Denise: I spoke at a Keller Williams National Convention on marketing in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2013. I was approached after speaking on the panel by an agent that had previously been on “House Hunters” herself and she thought I would be great on the show. I contacted the casting department and imagine this: I was persistent, LOL! Oklahoma is obviously not coastal and not exactly on their hit list of regular states to film. However, I sent them a link that the LA Times had recently written on how awesome our city is. We auditioned and the next thing you know HGTV was coming to OKC!
Q. Isn't it unusual for “House Hunters” to come back to the same city, with the same people (you and Troy), twice, let alone three times? What are y'all doing to make it happen?
Denise: It does seem unusual but I am so thankful that they think we are
entertaining enough to keep coming back to Oklahoma! This may come as a shock to you, but we are hams for the camera! Honestly, I have always been comfortable on camera, being a performer my whole life. I have had to prod and strongly encourage Troy to jump in and be in the limelight! Our chemistry and energy is transparent. We enjoy it and I think the vulnerability of being able to just forget HD cameras are in your face is appealing! It also helps that the crews say we are extremely easy to work with and very professional.
On a side note: I lost my mom suddenly when misdiagnosed with a hernia that ended up being colon cancer and she died at 50. HGTV was her favorite channel. I love that I feel like that would make her so happy and she can look down and see us being blessed the way we have been! Q. How was this time different from the other times?
Denise: HGTV called us and all the stars aligned to do another episode, very unexpectedly. Troy is MUCH more comfortable on camera and the crew just loved him!
Q. Have you learned anything that you can now offer as advice to other Realtors, or buyers, or sellers, or marketers?
Denise: We are all about business, results, communication and providing a stellar experience.
Just be authentic in your marketing approach. We are unique in our delivery in our social media presence and can stay top of mind. Be consistent and have a plan to market yourself and do what you promise.
Advice to Realtors: Always be a student in our industry, educate yourself to be an expert in your field. We owe this to the families that allow us to handle their largest financial instrument. We take that very seriously. Serve others like you are “chosen,” and always strive to exceed expectations. Communication is key. Our goal is always for our clients to never have to ask what is next. We have a bullet-proof system to keep everyone informed and cared for the entire process.
Advice to buyers: Interest rates are still at historic lows. It is a great time to buy or refinance! Hire a buyer's agent to take you by the hand through the process who is well versed and experienced. There are so many moving pieces to a transaction; let an agent do the heavy lifting and advocate for your best interest and needs.
Advice to sellers: You should only have to list once. Check credibility of any real estate professional you hire. We tell our sphere, don't hire us because we are friends and family, hire us because we will serve at a high level and get you the most money with the least amount of hassle.
Real estate is not always happy. We deal with death, downsizing, divorce, job loss, tragedy. It is not always a happy newlywed couple shopping for their first home or a family moving up to a larger home. We consider this to be a ministry to help people. Buying and selling homes is an emotional and physically exhausting process by nature. We truly want to be the aspirin to our clients and they have full confidence we have their back. If we are handling the transaction, they are in the most competent, caring hands. We are truly grateful for everyone we have been allowed to serve and will continue to rise and be the best we can be.
Q. You keep hinting about a twist to this episode! How about one more hint?
Denise: The only twist I can share is just when you think our love story can't get sappier, it does. If I say more, I would have to kill you, LOL! We don't want to get sued for confidentiality. :(